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Custom Security Solutions – Remote Security

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In most security the addition of security is a very standard installation. You may decide to do a DIY installation or you might hire a security company to do the installation. There are cases where you need something done that is outside the normal scope of work. Some of these are:

Remote Security for a Remote Building

Remote Security for an area with no power

Problems with Remote Buildings

The biggest issue with trying to install security in a remote building is that typically there is no power. In the past there was also the issue of not having a phone line to connect for remote notification. With the new Cellular Security Systems remote communication is typically not an issue. If you can use a cell phone in the area then you will most likely be able to use cellular technology to monitor your security system. When it comes to the absence of power that can now be overcome with the installation of a solar panel. You must calculate the amount of power that your system uses in standby and also when in alarm. Your alarm system has 3 basic states of operation when it comes to power consumption. They are:

Standby Mode – Alarm is not set or capable of triggering alarm except for 24 hour devices

Armed Mode – The system is capable of triggering an alarm

Alarm Mode – The system is in alarm and audible are sounding

Custom Security Solutions

The alarm mode consumes the most power since the sirens or horns connected to the system are ringing. Alarm systems are set with a cutoff time so the audible will automatically stop sounding if no one silences the alarm. This is usually enough time to scare away a burglar, alert the neighbors and notify the central station if you are using one.

Calculating Power needed

Your alarm system always has a backup battery installed. The backup battery will usually provide power for a period of 24 hours in the event of power loss. If you install a solar panel as your primary source of power then you will be providing the 12vdc to the panel and the panel will keep the original backup battery charged. You will need to calculate the specific power needed for your security system by adding up the power consumption of your control panel and all of the individual components. A typical security panel will consume a very small amount that is in the range of around 6 watts of power.

Basic Solar System Components

The first component needed is one or more Solar Panels. They supply the electricity and charge the batteries.

A Charge Controller. Is needed to prevent overcharging of the batteries. Proper charging will prevent damage and increase the life and performance of the batteries.

The Power Inverter is the heart of the system. It makes 120 volts AC from the 12 volts DC stored in the batteries. It can also charge the batteries if connected to a generator or the AC line.

Last are the storage Batteries. They store the electrical power in the form of a chemical reaction. Without storage you would only have power when the sun was shining or the generator was running.